Frank Lampard reveals worry over Chelsea star Tiemoue Bakayoko

Frank Lampard says Tiemoue Bakayoko needs to up his game to succeed at Chelsea

The France international has impressed in spells under Antonio Conte this season following his £40m move from Monaco in the summer.

However, the midfielder has been in and out of Conte’s starting XI due to his inconsistent form.

And Lampard says Bakayoko could be axed if he doesn’t improve.

“Tiemoue Bakayoko will need to raise his game at Chelsea to keep Danny Drinkwater from taking his place on a more regular basis,” Lampard said to the Evening Standard.

“Both players joined in the summer and as yet, Bakayoko has not made enough of an impact in games.

“When you sign for Chelsea, you have to understand that you’re never the only player for a position. There is always someone else knocking on the door.”

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“I am looking at Bakayoko and I’m not sure what kind of midfield player he is”

Frank Lampard

Lampard also reckons Bakayoko could still be suffering from his knee injury he picked up in the summer.

The midfield powerhouse underwent surgery and missed the start of the season.

And Lampard says Drinkwater’s availability could help Bakayoko get back to full fitness.

“There is also talk that he is still feeling the effects of the knee injury for which he had surgery in the summer,” he added.

“Things like that can affect you. He may still be troubled by it. That would be unfortunate because no one sees you toiling with it from the outside.

“With Drinkwater also missing the start of the season, Bakayoko was brought into the side quickly after missing pre-season.

“Perhaps the positive of Drinkwater, who I was impressed with on Saturday, being available for selection now is that coach Antonio Conte will rotate more, allowing Bakayoko to get himself right.

“Still, at the moment I am looking at Bakayoko and I’m not sure what kind of midfield player he is.

“I initially thought he could be compared to Yaya Toure, however I don’t see that so much now. The way Chelsea play means he has to be disciplined in midfield, as Conte wants the wing-backs high up the pitch.”